Elon Musk Dodges Alleged Drug Use Question During Press Conference
Originally appeared on E! Online
Elon Musk is reporting from the Oval Office one last time.
During the tech mogul and President Donald Trump's press conference May 30, Musk—who is exiting the White House—dodged a question about The New York Times report of his alleged drug use during Trump's campaign.
'Is that the same publication that got a Pulitzer Prize for false reporting on the Russiagate?' Musk responded when a reporter brought up the article. 'Is it the same organization? I think the judge just ruled against New York Times for their lies about the Russiagate hoax and that they might have to give back that Pulitzer Prize.' (Though Trump has challenged the award and filed a defamation lawsuit against the Pulitzer Prize Board, the title has not been revoked from The New York Times.)
Though neither outright addressed the May 30 New York Times article, Trump did say that the businessman had weathered 'outrageous abuse and slander, lies and attacks.'
During Trump's presidential election, the New York Times, citing people familiar with Musk's activities, alleged that Musk told people ketamine—which he's previously said he used to treat depressive episodes—had begun to affect his bladder.
He also reportedly used Ecstasy, psychedelic mushrooms and traveled around with a daily medication box holding about 20 pills, according to a photo of the box and witnesses, per the NYT. E! News has not independently verified the New York Times' claims.
The outlet reports it is unclear if Musk's alleged drug use continued during his four-month tenure at the White House.
The White House as well as reps for Musk did not respond to E! News' request for comment. E! News has also reached out to The New York Times regarding Trump and Musk's claims during the press conference but has not yet heard back.
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He also reportedly used Ecstasy, psychedelic mushrooms and traveled around with a daily medication box holding about 20 pills, according to a photo of the box and witnesses, per the NYT. E! News has not independently verified the New York Times' claims.
The outlet reports it is unclear if Musk's alleged drug use continued during his four-month tenure at the White House.
The White House as well as reps for Musk did not respond to E! News' request for comment. E! News has also reached out to The New York Times regarding Trump and Musk's claims during the press conference but has not yet heard back.
To Trump, however, Musk was an MVP on his team.
'He's one of the greatest business leaders and innovators the world has ever produced,' Trump said during the press conference. 'He stepped forward to put his very great talents into the service of our nation, and we appreciate it. And just want to say that Elon has worked tirelessly, helping lead the most sweeping and consequential government reform program in generations.'
Musk, meanwhile, spoke to the future of DOGE, noting the 'team will only grow stronger over time.' He continued, 'I liken it to a sort of Buddhism. It's like a way of life. So it is permeating throughout the government, and I'm confident that over time, we'll see a trillion dollars of savings.'
The press conference came just two days after Musk announced the end of his four months with the administration.
"As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending," he wrote on X. "The @DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government."
Though Musk is no longer serving alongside Trump, keep reading to see who is currently in the Presidential Cabinet.
Vice President JD VanceSecretary of State Marco RubioSecretary of Treasury Scott BessentSecretary of Defense Pete HegsethAttorney General Pam BondiSecretary of Interior Doug BurgumSecretary of Agriculture Brooke RollinsSecretary of Commerce Howard LutnickSecretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemerSecretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott TurnerSecretary of Transportation Sean DuffySecretary of Energy Chris WrightSecretary of Education Linda McMahonSecretary of Veterans Affairs Doug CollinsSecretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem
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